Military Brass Help

[USMC87]

I have several hundred 30-06 military brass that I want to process, I tryed to decap them with a universal decapper and brock 2 pins without budging the primer. Is there something something special to do with the primer decapping?

[dbosman]

They can be really well sealed in place. I've only broken a pin when a Berdan primed case managed to sneak past visual inspection.

[ggenovez]

Look inside the brass case and make sure there is only 1 flash hole. IF there are 2 then you have berdan and they're off center.

You can knock them off by filling them with water, putting the brass in a sock so the primer is not supported and putting a bolt at the top of the neck and wacking it with a hammer. The water will push the primer out. Messy but it works.

[USMC87]

There appears to be maybe 3 holes in the web.

[gwpercle]

This is exactly how I discovered what Berdan primed meant. Was trying to decap 7.5 swiss and broke 2 pins...gun/reloading shop owner explained it all to me when I went to buy more pins. Taught me to look at every case for them 2 tiny holes.
I just finished decapping 500 military 7.62 , went slow and easy and didn't loose a pin. If the cases aren't berdan then the glue / sealant must be hellforstout
If you do water removal method , don't do it inside...water goes everywhere, wife not gonna be happy with the mess if it's in her kitchen.
Gary

[gwpercle]

There appears to be maybe 3 holes in the web.
Me thinks you got berdan , could third hole be from your decapping pin ? But there may be some 3 hole berdan prime cases , maybe for better ignition ? Are all three holes small ?

[P.K.]

Me thinks you got berdan , could third hole be from your decapping pin ? But there may be some 3 hole berdan prime cases , maybe for better ignition ? Are all three holes small ?

Prolly the pin strikes. Have yet to come across a tri-hole case. Always a first I suppose. ;-)

[W.R.Buchanan]

Yes, there are 3 hole Berdan primed cases. Kind of depends on who made the stuff in the first place.

Randy

[P.K.]

Yes, there are 3 hole Berdan primed cases. Kind of depends on who made the stuff in the first place.

RandyWell, I stand corrected. Thanks.

[USMC87]

OK Guys you have solved my problem, They do have more than one flash hole and are offset, I;m not gonna try the berdan primed stuff I'll just wait and get enough to sell to somebody else that will use it. I appreciate all the comments and help.

[John Boy]

You can knock them off by filling them with water, putting the brass in a sock so the primer is not supported and putting a bolt at the top of the neck and wacking it with a hammer. Sounds easy but it doesn't work with every whack. And is a PITA. With the number of cases you have - just buy a Hornaday berdan military primer remover.

[shavstone]

Correct me if I am wrong, but even after the primers are removed, you have to find "special" berdan primers to reload these cases.

[khmer6]

It's possibly to remove the anvil from boxer and use those.
Were these cases extremely light?

[USMC87]

No the cases are not light, I am not gonna try and load them I'll just save em up and pass em along.

[JKH]

What is the headstamp? POF? If so it is Pakastani which was dang good shootin ball, but sadly Berdan primed. Reloading Berdan cases takes dedication and a lot more time and tools than boxer, IF you can locate the proper size primers.

You could post them on the swap n sell for a reasonable amount as there are members here that have the primers and could utilize these cases, either that or sell em for scrap metal and get some more lead : )

Jeff

P.S. Some Berdan cases appear to have 3 flash holes because the anvil is punch formed from inside the case head leaving a larger dimple in the center between the 2 small flash holes, it can be mistaken for a boxer flash hole if only a cursory glance is taken inside without a strong light.

[USMC87]

The headstamp has a j in it, I'll have to check tomorrow and report back.

[JKH]

Could be some of the Iranian 1950's ball that was on the market this past year or so.

[Lead Fred]

To remove berdan primers, fill the case with water, and use a 30 cal rod to push the water into the case, and the primer out the other end.
(path of least resistance)

Then go to Powder Valley and buy berdan primers.

[nvald1982]

kinda lost on military ammo I have wcc 7.62x39 ammo is the military grade??

[USMC87]

Winchester cartridge company, Yes military with a crimped pocket I'd say.